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On June 1, 2025, Ukraine executed a large-scale drone assault, codenamed Operation Spider’s Web, targeting five Russian airbases across Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. This operation marked Ukraine’s most extensive and far-reaching drone strike to date, reaching as far as Siberia.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) orchestrated the attack by covertly transporting 117 explosive-laden drones into Russia, concealing them in wooden sheds and cargo containers near the targeted airfields. These drones were launched remotely, resulting in the destruction or damage of approximately 41 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and surveillance planes such as the A-50.
The Daily Beast
The operation inflicted an estimated $7 billion in damages, significantly impairing Russia’s long-range aerial capabilities. Analysts note that the loss of these aircraft, many of which are no longer in production, could have lasting effects on Russia’s military operations.
While Ukrainian officials celebrated the mission as a demonstration of ingenuity and resilience, Russian state media offered a subdued response, acknowledging attacks in some regions but downplaying the extent of the damage. The strike occurred just before scheduled peace talks in Istanbul, potentially influencing the dynamics of the negotiations.
This unprecedented operation underscores the evolving nature of warfare and highlights vulnerabilities in traditional defense systems against innovative drone tactics.
Multiple sources…
Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web: A Strategic Drone Assault on Russian Airbases
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